Analyst Finds No Hint of Redesigned iPhone 5 in Channel

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote on Monday that he has found no evidence of a redesigned iPhone 5 in Apple’s supply chain, suggesting that the next version of the iPhone is likely to look very similar to the iPhone 4. Rumors and leaks have taken both sides of what the next iPhone will look like, but recent reports have been mounting on the side of a device that is closer to the iPhone 4 than not.

At issue is whether Apple would seek to leave the so-called antennagate controversy behind by completely dropping the form factor of the iPhone 4, at least that was the way some reports were couched back when anyone still cared about the issue of Apple’s external antenna design. This would have made the iPhone 4 the first iPhone model whose form factor lasted but for one generation (the iPhone, iPhone 4G, and iPhone 3GS were all similar in design).

Over the course of the last 9 months, different reports, rumors, and leaks have alternately claimed that Apple had a much different design in mind for the iPhone 5 or that the next generation iPhone would instead look quite similar to the current model.

In a research note provided to MacRumors, Ming-Chi Kuo wrote that he could find no evidence of a new design, and that his sources in Apple’s supply chain were pointing to a prototype iPhone called N94 as the basis for the next iPhone model, which he expects to ship in the middle of October.

As seen in the figure below, which was published by MacPost.net, the N94 prototype looks quite similar to the iPhone 4.

Alleged N94 iPhone Prototype, published by MacPost.net (Click the image for a larger version)

His sources also claimed that Apple was planning on delivering the iOS 5 golden master (GM) to manufacturers between September 23rd and September 30th, a time frame that backs up a mid-October release. Apple is expected to announce the new device in an as-yet unannounced media event in late September.

According to the analyst, the new iPhone model will feature 512MB of RAM, a 3.5” display (the same size as the iPhone 4), glass for both the front and back (some rumors had claimed Apple was working on a metal back for the device), and a camera module that is roughly the same thickness as the current one, suggesting it will be about as thick as the iPhone 4.

If apple release a 4s, they will be done for. Samsung gsII will be the top smart phone. Simple as that. I will not be getting another iPhone 4 (which is pretty much what an iphone 4s would be). The sreen is to small. Well that’s the main issue to me. They really have to come out and compete or they will perish.

If the phone is not improved for current standards (Dual core with good graphics, 1gb ram, at least 4” screen) this iPhone will be DOA and iPhone will be history.

I dont buy this guy’s stuff as apple always tried to give the competitive (I dont believe none of their product will have top configurations of that generation) products.

Hopefully we will see a real innovative product.

Terrin11:26 PM EDT, Sep. 12th, 2011Guest

I will not be surprised to see Apple come out with a 4GS as opposed to Version 5 iPhone.

I see Apple coming out with a 4GS version this month, and then about 6 months later coming out with a version 5 iPhone.

My reasoning is Apple is all about managing earnings through sustained sales. Apple originally brought the iPhone to AT&T at the beginning of summer. So AT&T contracts will run out at the beginning of summer. If Apple brings out a iPhone 4GS Version now and it is available on both Sprint and T-Mobile, that will bring new users to the fold even if AT&T users don’t bite (though enough will). If then six months later it brings the true iPhone 5 to the mix, AT&T contracts will be expiring and Apple will offer a revised iPhone.

This also is in accords with rumors suggesting Apple is working on an iPad HD that will rely on Apple’s next generation processor. The iPhone 5 will probably share that with processor.

Somebody who would switch so close to a new release without even hearing what it is, was never really a much valued Apple customer.

Probably never an Apple customer to begin with.

I will not be surprised to see Apple come out with a 4GS as opposed to Version 5 iPhone.

I see Apple coming out with a 4GS version this month, and then about 6 months later coming out with a version 5 iPhone.

My reasoning is Apple is all about managing earnings through sustained sales. Apple originally brought the iPhone to AT&T at the beginning of summer. So AT&T contracts will run out at the beginning of summer. If Apple brings out a iPhone 4GS Version now and it is available on both Sprint and T-Mobile, that will bring new users to the fold even if AT&T users don?t bite (though enough will). If then six months later it brings the true iPhone 5 to the mix, AT&T contracts will be expiring and Apple will offer a revised iPhone.

Good points. If the next iPhone is a 4GS, I may just limp along on my iPhone 3GS until an iPhone 5 is released.

I feel that appeals more to the left brainers. But true enough, the devices can be less expensive and that is factor for many people.

ovven12:01 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

Fake, camera and flash dont align with motherboard

so close…just flip the motherboard over to the other side and it will magically fit.

Nihal12:03 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

Somebody who would switch so close to a new release without even hearing what it is, was never really a much valued Apple customer.

all you apple fanboys need to loosen up. You have to realize there’s products better than Apple’s out there. The guy with the name “steve job” says he switched to android. He doesn’t beleive in Apple to come out with a device that would top whatever he has. Lots of people feel that way. but if you cant accept that, maybe you are better off worshiping apple and leaving us alone.

iphone12:07 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

I have had every Iphone.. and will be switching if this is true

Riff Randall12:09 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

iphones are for sheep

trav12:10 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

These tech journalists are full of [explicative deleted]!

it seems pathetic that out of all of the rumors, blogs, and continuous [explicative deleted] these tech blogs have come up with, the final days approach and because of the lack of any evidence ever found they slam apple. [explicative deleted] you Bryan Chaffin your a pathetic tech blogger who has given up and because of your lack of insight you think you can create a [explicative deleted] story. I got news for all of you pieces of [explicative deleted], the next iPhone will destroy any piece of [explicative deleted] android phone that will ever be created. burn in hell PC android [explicative deleted] you guys are about to get a rude awakening when the sickest phone ever makes it debut. [explicative deleted] aNDROID, [explicative deleted] Froyo, [explicative deleted] ice cream [explicative deleted] whatever

apple 3:16

[Edit: trav, here at The Mac Observer, we expect our commenters to behave like adults.

We’d prefer them to have some basic reading comprehension skills, too, but realize that reality imposes its own harsh limitations. At least some of your tantrum is entirely misdirected. - Bryan]

tom12:12 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

“Androids are for poor people and trashy people.” - correction MB it’s your mom…your mom is for trashy people

Hype12:13 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

Sounds like a good rumour for apple employees to start spreading before a launch of a radically new design too.

Flashbackvideoman12:14 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

It doesn’t matter what product they come out with. After they screwed the entire video post-production establishment by replacing the renowned Final Cut Pro with low-level garbage (without any notice) they can go %$@% themselves. They have zero loyalty to their customers, so why bother with them?
There will always be better products from a competitor than from the inventor, so if Apple comes out with something new and exciting, it is never long before you can get something better and cheaper.
Bye Bye, Apple. We knew you all to well.

TRAV12:15 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

Burn in hell you Android [explicative deleted]!!!!

[explicative deleted] you Bryan Chaffin you pointless tech blogger that has absolutely no credible evidence of any sort of iPhone news or potential design. You are purely speculating because you have nothing better to say. Why don’t you sit and [explicative deleted]...

trav in 08 the iphone which you and all the sheep proclaimed was bleeding edge, couldn’t send a picture message….you don’t mind that steve jobs tells you what you can and cannot have on a phone I.e. flash..you will lie and claim you never wanted it…but it’s not just about you trav.. or steve jobs is it? give the people what they want..apple doesn’t do that and you are ok with that..which is why I hate you

J-rizzle12:50 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

Apple’s devices are lame, pathetic, and complete gimmicks touted by media for sales to mindless droves. Any user of their products makes it known to all that they are [childish slur]. But hey, as long as they are comfortable with [adolescent imagery], its all good to me. I hope [idiotic comment], because such ign0rance deserves such treatment. Peace in the middle-east, [proof that I have the mind of a 12 year old boy].

[Edit: Profanity deleted and corrected. You’re entitled to your opinion, but if you want to express it at The Mac Observer, do so in an adult and civilized fashion. - Bryan]

trav2:02 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

[Edit: Post without profanity. - Bryan]

Luc3:18 AM EDT, Sep. 13th, 2011Guest

Just to correct the first guy: The Apple A5 is SIGNIFICANTLY faster than the samsung Galaxy SII. I found this article in my quest to see if sprint is worth investing in with these iphone rumors. I just wanted to weigh in here. An apple 4gs with an A5 processor and ios5 will be the fastest phone on the market at least for a while.

I have been a member of TMO for ten years at least, and I have never seen a comment thread spin so badly out of control from what was a seemingly harmless news item. Lighten up everyone. If you like Android, fine. If you like iPhone, fine. Choice is good. So is civility.

I have been a member of TMO for ten years at least, and I have never seen a comment thread spin so badly out of control from what was a seemingly harmless news item. Lighten up everyone. If you like Android, fine. If you like iPhone, fine. Choice is good. So is civility.

I am thinking that it was from the same person, probably a youngster, there was a similarity in the posts be they pro or con.